Division One
Rayne 3 Clare Town 3
Saturday, 05 February 2011
Rayne vs Clare Town
Clare Town Earn Draw Sharing Six Goals
in Hard Fought Encounter
It was an overcast afternoon with a strong wind for this First Division match at Rayne who were entertaining visiting Clare Town. Whilst the surface was in good order the conditions were hardly conducive for good football although with one side of the pitch lined by trees it was likely that some shelter would be given to minimise the envisaged difficulties. The official in charge was local referee was Mrs Johanna Withams.
Rayne were the first to show when skipper Paul Sheppard released James Hardy through on goal but Clare skipper and keeper David Dixon was quickly off his line to deny the first chance on the edge of his box. At the other end the visitors Chris Dawkins made ground down the left before crossing to the near post but Matt Barker was well positioned top head for a corner.
The ensuing corner from the left was partially headed out to the wide right whereupon Eddie Spittle drove back across the face of the goal eluding defenders that struck the inside of the post and the ball rebounded to JAMES ADKIN who tapped home from close range to give the visitors an 8th minute lead.
Adkin then released a fine ball to Clare Player Manager Nathan Copsey who moved menacingly to the edge of the box but Paul Christian made a timely block and moments later Spittle had a fierce shot blocked. A long throw in to he box picked out unmarked Adkin but he was unable to steer the ball on target. The visitors were having the better opening attacking exchanges against the elements and also against the slight slope and were working the ball with greater purpose with Copsey looking to prompt from the middle of the park. Spittle following a good run released Copsey into space but keeper Justin Starckey was sufficiently alert to frustrate the chance.
The home side picked up their game and forced two corners but the visitors were sufficiently organised to clear their lines. However Jon Mann did well down the right cutting in and crossing and the ball was partially cleared and ran loose to Sheppard who turned well before driving his shot just over and then Chris Dawkins tried a speculative effort that went just over.
Play was largely scrappy and neither side were able to maintain any real continuity as the wind was an adverse factor and creative play was at a premium with particularly the home side struggling as they often over hit balls in to the final third. Indeed it was at the other end where the visitors came close when Dawkins played a diagonal ball out to the right to Mark Cooper whose cross struck the top of the woodwork and over.
The home side then had their best chance when a long clearance was fastened onto by Sheppard but he sliced his shot over from a decent position. The same player then had the opportunity to atone but wasted a 22 yard free kick when he blasted well over.
It was then the visitors who took the initiative when Ken Steward was put through but he was brought down and Copsey sent his free kick narrowly over. Liam Mills then played a good ball down the left to Copsey whose cross sought to find Adkin but the keeper at his near post cut out the danger. The visitors went close when Steward crossed and Spittle had ghosted in and from close range fired but Starckey made a fine point blank save.
The half concluded with the visitors deserving of their slender lead but on the whole it had been a scrappy affair with fleeting moments of good football.
Half Time: Rayne 0 - 1 Clare Town
The home side commenced with Justin Starckey being replaced through injury and outfield player James Hardy donned the sweater.
In the 48th minute the home side were on level terms. A free kick from inside the home half was not cleared and the ball ran out to Rory Bone who drove but Dixon made a point blank save but the ball ran loose to BEN WARD who slotted the ball home from 3 yards.
A minute later the home side went in front. The visitors defence was caught napping allowing RORY BONE to cut in from the right and unleash a splendid left foot drive giving Dixon no chance.
Clare almost levelled when a corner found Adkin but his glancing header was deflected for a corner. However they were back on terms in the 54th minute when following another corner KEN STEWARD headed home at the far post.
Two minutes later Clare Town were back in front when in a bizarre incident NATHAN COPSEY on the left bi line seeing that the stand in keeper was well off his line produced a fine lob that sailed over the custodian and into the unguarded net. The home side looked to strike back and Wicks floated a ball in to the path of Dave Farrow but he found the side netting. Moments later Adkin wasted an opportunity and then the same player received treatment following a poor challenge. Despite the goals the game remained still lacking in quality albeit there was plenty of effort from the players as they competed for maximum points.
Rayne got back on level terms in the 73rd minute when Mrs Withams awarded a penalty for a push on PAUL WICKS and the same player picked himself up taking the spot kick and scoring with some ease to make it 3-3.
Both sides struggled to in the final 15 minutes to seek out a decisive goal and in the end a draw was the right result secured in difficult conditions.
Full Time: Rayne 3 - 3 Clare Town.
Rayne:
Justin Starckey; Jon Mann, Dave Farrow, James Hardy, Paul Christian; Scott Collins, Paul Wicks, Ben Ward, Rory Bone; Matt Barker Paul Sheppard
Substitutes; Dave Hardy, Luke Culling, Mark Sainsbury.
Clare Town:
David Dixon; Eddie Spittle, Liam Mills, Steven Bastani, Ed Smith; Mathew Cutts, Ken Steward, Chris Dawkins, Mark Cooper; James Adkin, Nathan Copsey.
Substitutes; Andrew Gibbs, Gary Cowley, Kristian Martin
Referee: Mrs Johanna Withams (Braintree)
Man of the Match: - ED SPITTLE – A neat and tidy display from the Clare Town player who rarely wasted a ball.
Entertainment Value: * * *
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Pre Match Thoughts:
It was a windy morning as I drove into the Tesco car park to claim my usual parking slot. As I strode into the store entrance I noted that there were trolleys in abundance and so I figured that there would be no long queues that makes shopping that more pleasurable. I had a casual walk round with my shopping list that was somewhat reduced this week but nevertheless as usual I added items to it and came out having spent my usual allowance that the wife grants me!
As I was preparing for my first trip to Rayne I had a quick look at the directions and set off down the A12/A120 and finally picking up the A131 and into Gore Road. I was accompanied by the usual varied selection of golden oldies ‘hits’ most of which emanated from the late 50s and early 60s that rather ages one.
I arrived after 50 minutes from my Ipswich base and soon realised that there appeared a car park attendant as I drove in. Cars were being parked in strategic places. I opened my window to ask where I should park and a pleasant gentleman said you are not with the football are you. So I said well as a matter of fact I am here to watch the game. Oh he said with some surprise and suggested I park in a certain part of the car park.
I alighted and saw an increasingly growing queue at the building. Well I thought was there an expectancy of a large crowd in attendance buying their entrance tickets! I went to the car park attendant who told me the queue was for the pending jumble sale hence the requirement for segregated parking was for good reasons. I then introduced myself to the car park attendant who turned out to be the Rayne Football Club Secretary – a very affable and helpful Jon Sainsbury. He said that he was not expecting my visit – that was fine by me but nonetheless eventually seemed reasonably pleased. I asked for team sheet at some point.
I then encountered referee Mrs Johanna Withams who I’ve met on several previous occasions running the line for the Ridgeons League when I was connected with Long Melford FC. We exchanged pleasantries and she told me that for the past couple of weeks she had been taken by the Ridgeons League to officiate at their fixtures, away from her original Border League allocation. Nothing new there I thought!
I eyed the fast growing queue for the jumble sale as more cars crammed into the now overflowing parking space. It seemed the doors were not due to open until 2.00pm. I therefore turned my attention to the pitch where the Clare Town side had been warming up from the time I had arrived and making me feel tired just watching. At the far end of the pitch the Rayne players were slowly emerging from the Cricket changing room. I noticed that it was to do with cricket as it appeared to have the cricketing symbols indicating the amount of runs scored, wickets and last man out.
Some sensible people had been waiting in their cars for the jumble sale and sure enough as the doors opened the queue started to shorten and several ladies and gentlemen exited their cars hoping to snag a bargain.
I met the joint Manager of Clare Town Graham Meekins – a nice sort and he, like Jon Sainsbury, furnished me with their team sheets. As I continued to check the activity at the jumble sale I was introduced to Rayne FC Chairman – a very pleasant Mike Eldred. I asked him if he was enjoying the Club’s first season in the Border League and he replied with total satisfaction. The Club tried to gain entry two seasons ago but on that occasion were unsuccessful. The discussion continued accompanied by the said car park attendant/Secretary - Jon Sainsbury, who advised that they have a good relationship with the Parrish Council who are going to subsidise new facilities in the future.
Chairman Mike explained that they had enjoyed a very successful time in the Treadfast League winning all before them and had enjoyed some good results this season including a creditable draw at home to league leaders Lawford Lads. We shook hands and I wished him a successful afternoon.
The Jumble sale was now in full swing and the referee appeared from her changing room. All that I needed to do was to elect where I would stand for the next couple of hours or so. I elected to stand on the far tree lined side for a little protection from the elements. Mrs Withams took up her position with whistle at the ready and the rest is consigned to the history books.
Post Match Thoughts:
A draw I felt was the right result in difficult conditions that clearly did not see either side at their best. However I was impressed with the individual work rate of both sides and encouraging to see the game played in a good spirit throughout.
In the first half I felt that the visitors shaded proceedings with the one goal lead giving the home side very little opportunity despite them having the benefit of the elements if indeed wind advantage was a benefit. Clare Town looked the better side and my “Man of the Match” Ed Spittle had a particularly good half.
After the break the visitors were shell shocked after conceding two early goals in n minute. The second was the goal of the game with Rory Bone’s sweet left foot strike that should have demanded some searching defensive questions for allowing him to run opposed!
Clare Town perhaps will think that third spot in the First Division, might prove critical – should Brightlingsea Regent move upwards to level 6, and may still be attainable. Certainly had they secured the three points it would have asked questions of those above also looking to reach the promised land!
However, both these sides have been in high scoring games this season, which questions their defensive qualities or other frailties that need remedial repair. For Rayne they are in a period of consolidation and transition. This is their first season in the Border League having been very successful in the Treadfast League culminating with winning a league treble during their final season.
Rayne will doubtless learn from their experience this season whilst I fear that Clare Town will miss out on third place because they perhaps need a little extra to push for Premier Football – time will tell. At the moment on the strength of this game, and making allowance for the conditions, there is a noticeable gulf between these two sides and the Premier teams, but I wish them luck for the remainder of the season.
Referee Mrs Johanna Withams had an excellent game and controlled the players with great aplomb. She managed the game with clear and concise decisions and although typically there were a few disputed off side decisions from the players she supported the club linesman, earned respect for her overall performance and should have won very good marks from both sides. It was nice to see you again Johanna, well done!
Miscellaneous
Further news on League Registrations Secretary Mick Willmore is that he is due to go into a London Hospital Monday week for an operation that hopefully will bring him back to good health in due course. He will be in hospital for a week. His wife Allison will be holding the fort with his League Registration duties during his absence. We wish you well Mick and the League’s thanks to Allison.
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I watched the mid week game at Cornard FC on Tuesday evening that saw West Bergholt meet Sudbury Athletic. “Bergholt” decided to use Chris Symes excellent facilities for this re-arranged game in an attempt to make up ground on Gas Recreation and Rowhedge in their quest for the championship. Following their disappointing exit from the Essex Premier Cup the previous Saturday they needed a quick return to winning ways. This they achieved but Jules Mumford’s side made them fight all the way in a 2–1 win for Gary Wood’s side.
The highlights for “Bergholt” were Liam Springett’s opener and Rob Fidler’s superbly struck free kick. “Athletic pulled a goal back with a late strike that gave anxious moments but “Bergholt” survived.
The only other matter of note was when goal keeping coach Steve Bond went to retrieve the match ball and in his quest to get through the hole in the netting behind the goal realised that his bulk was too large for any such retrieval. There is a moral there somewhere Steve.
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Having mentioned the Essex Premier Cup it’s also worth a big mention that the League’s sole survivors are First Division Mersea Island who beat Premier side Hatfield Peveral to reach the last eight - a notable achievement for Richard Bond’s side who are having a modest league campaign following their relegation last season. I think Richard had mixed feelings when the draw was announced on Essex Radio on Thursday evening.
Having disposed of Hatfield he told me that he wanted to avoid Frenford Senior arguably firm favourites. Well the draw was unkind in that Mersea will travel to play Hutton – who defeated previously unbeaten Brightlingsea Regent - on Saturday the 19th February. Speaking to Richard he told me “We will just go for it and try and keep our shape and see what happens on the day”.
Having reported on the Hutton v Brightlingsea tie I had felt that Hutton could go all the way to Thurrock FC for the April Final – that’s how much I rated them. Nevertheless it’s a one off game and perhaps Richard might give James Webster – Brightlingsea Manager – a call for his assessment. It promises to be a big game for Mersea and of course this will be the “Match of the Day” on the “19th”.
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Talking of James Webster, he texted me during the week and I quote – “I would just like to give yourself and the Border League our apologies for that under par performance Saturday. I feel like we let you down and the report was spot on with what you said”. He continued – “we will put things right this Saturday I’m sure of that but we simply were not good enough against Hutton - but no excuses”.
Well James was true to his word as his side beat White Notley away 3-0 this afternoon. Amazingly both West Bergholt and Dedham Old Boys also, beaten last week in the cup beat Tiptree Jobserve and Harwich & Parkeston by the same 3-0 score line whilst Hatfield Peveral, Mersea’s scalp, had a much needed win 2-0 over high flyers Rowhedge. Putting their cup defeats behind them, the sides showed their character this afternoon – well done.
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I had an interesting and varied post bag this week and to those awaiting a reply these will follow. Meanwhile I received on Saturday morning at 07.25 an email from ground hopper John Stancombe. He wrote
“I am a visually handicapped ground hopper, now living in Lowestoft, over the last 25 years. I have been to just over 1,400 grounds and about to get the train today to Doncaster to visit Harworth C.I. in the Central Midlands League. Anyway, I’ve heard your reports and rambles via my screen reader George and wanted to know, who issues programmes now in the Border League as in the past there have not been programmes issued.
I hope you can help.
With regards,
John Stancombe & Arthur (Guide Dog)”
Apart from Alresford Colne Rangers do any other Clubs issue match day programmes? I believe there might be at least one other! Please let me know and I will respond to John and of course Arthur. Thank you.
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Arrangements for the Centenary Match to be held on Saturday 4th June at Colchester United Weston Homes Community Stadium Ground are progressing. The League’s Representative Side will meet the “Legends” – a team compromised of former professional players from Ipswich Town and Norwich City Football Clubs.
The proceeds will be sub divided 50% each between the League and importantly the other 50% for “Help the Heroes Charity”.
This promises to be a great occasion and our thanks to the Essex FA for sanctioning the game outside the official football season.
Further details will be provided through this column in the weeks ahead.
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The league’s desire to work with our referees more constructively is moving forward and I hope to have more concrete details next week.
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It is clear that the potential pending departure of Brightlingsea Regent to the Ridgeons League is causing some Cubs to re assess their chances of gaining promotion via the third spot in the First Division.
I received an email from my good mate Leighton Williams – Manager of First Division Barnston AFC who feels that the advantage may well be with Coggeshall Town – my pre season tip for one of the top two positions. Barnston AFC did well to come away with a draw at Coggeshall this afternoon but might face a bigger challenge on Saturday when they entertain West Clacton - Dark horses, perhaps. This game might be an indicator but of course Coggeshall Town will have major say as they arguably have an easier run in.
Whatever the chasing pack do - Lawford Lads who continue to strengthen their side now look increasingly firm odds-on favourites to win the First Division Title, following successive away defeats for Newbury Forest, who seeming to be feeling some pressure. We shall see!
Millwall – Lisbie’s 90th minute winner sees the Lions home.
Next Week’s Match Report: Holland v West Bergholt (league Cup Quarter final).
John Campany
email: ja.campany@gmail.com